A Sandwich a Day: 'Caprese' at Russo's Mozzarella and Pasta

In this great city of ours, one could eat a different sandwich every day of the year—so that's what we'll do. Here's A Sandwich a Day, our daily look at sandwiches around New York. Got a sandwich we should check out? Let us know.—The Mgmt.

[Photo: Robyn Lee]

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A Caprese is generally fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, but at Russo's in the East Village it's something a little different. On this long sandwich ($6.99) you've got the mozz and basil, but with roasted peppers, sundried tomato, and a good soak of olive oil to bind it together. It works out well: the roasted red peppers add the sweetness and moisture that a fresh tomato would otherwise contribute, and also eliminate the riskiest element of a Caprese: pink tomatoes have brought down many an otherwise tasty sandwich. Fresh mozzarella is always a good thing, but Russo's struck us as a bit dry, not as sweet and milky as it can be. Next time, I might swap it out for their excellent smoked mozz; but really, no complaints either way.